Respecting Private Property and Landowners When Fishing

The Watauga River

  
I was very saddened this week to hear of the closing of public access to some of the delayed harvest trout water along the Watauga River in North Carolina. The private land owners in this part of the river have always allowed anglers on their property. However, they say they have been forced to make this move due to abuse of their properties by activities other than angling. The stretch of river now closed runs from  Shull Mills rd. downstream to a parking area close to the intersection of N.C. 105 and Old Shull Mills rd. Since there is no more public access, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will not stock it with trout this fall. 

The full news article can be found here 

This is an ongoing problem not just in North Carolina, but everywhere. The sad thing is that a few disrespectful, immature people can ruin a good thing for all of the others that show the proper respect for someone else's property. 

When allowed access to private lands and waters please treat the property as if it were your own. 

1. Clean up and pack out all trash.
2. Be careful with campfires and cigarettes, and observe all burn bans! 
3. Don't play loud music since someone's home may be nearby.
4. Remember to close any gates you open behind you! The quickest way to pissing off a landowner is to let their cattle or horses out!
5. If a gate is open, leave it open. They have it open for a reason.
6. Don't  harass any livestock, or other animals on the property.
7. Behave like a grownup, don't shout profanities,talk loudly,or relieve yourself out in the open. Remember, someone might be living nearby. You wouldn't want your kids hearing or seeing that!  
8. This SHOULD go without saying,but sadly most folks don't do this. If you see the landowner while there....say Thank You!

Following these simple guidelines will insure that YOU are not the one that makes the landowner decide to lock their gates, and put up no trespassing signs. 




Tight Lines!

Shawn